Russell Malone

Russell Malone has been a significant figure in the jazz world for more than two decades and continues forging a path as an ever-evolving artist. Born and raised in Albany, Georgia, he started making a name for himself as he moved to Houston, Atlanta and ultimately to New York City.

One of his most pivotal career-shaping experiences was sitting in with the late, great organist Jimmy Smith in Atlanta and eventually joining his band in the late 1980s.  Countless fans worldwide have heard and seen  Malone as a recording and touring member of bands led by Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall, or in the movie Kansas City.  His distinguished and diverse collaborations also include Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, pianist Benny Green, Ray Brown, Gerald Wilson, Sonny Rollins, David Sanborn and Houston Person.

Photo: Jimmy Ryan

He has ten recordings as a leader.  He says of his latest release: "I'm especially excited about `Triple Play' because it's my first guitar trio recording."

Malone brings with him a bass player he's worked and recorded with for many years, Tassili Bond.  From Detroit, Bond has also recorded with Antonio Hart and Ali Jackson.  He's played with Donald Harrison and fellow Detroit-area native Elvin Jones.

Drummer Darrell Green brings his in-demand bedrock groove to the trio.  The Oakland, CA, native has toured with Stefon Harris, James Zollar, Pharoah Sanders, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Sherman Irby, and Steve Turre.

Opening Friday Night: The Kris Kimura Quintet

Kris Kimrua is a Downbeat award-winning vocalist and saxophonist working in the Austin area.  He studied at North Texas State and at Southwest Texas State with Dr. James Polk and Freddie Mendoza.  He's played with Groupo Fantasma, Marcus Printup, Diana Krall and Tony Campise.  His quintet includes classical and jazz pianist Ryan Davis, fellow North Texas State alumnus Tommy Howard on guitar, bassist and 1999 Downbeat Magazine Outstanding Soloist Adam Booker, and versatile drummer Danny Sanchez.

Opening Saturday Night: The Brew

An Austin band with a national following, The Brew's electrictrifying style of Latin Jazz has been a favorite of listeners and dancers for three decades.  The band is currently working on their 5th CD release.  Guitarist Michael Rodriguez, and his brothers Joe Rodriguez on percussion and Mark Rodriguez on bass are joined by drummer Brad Evilsizer, keyboardist Esteban Alvarez, and special guest, St. James' own Joe Morales.  Joe moved to Austin as a vocalist with The Brew in the early '80s.

Ric Moore Photography

Friday Social Hour and Saturday Banquet: Bob and Britt Alexius Trio

Bob Alexius began his professional music career in New Orleans in 1951. Over the course of almost fifty years, he has played with such greats as Elvis Presley, Floyd Kramer, Boots Randolph, and Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as eleven seasons with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.  Since retiring from the Texas Education Agency in 1993, Mr. Alexius continues to play tuba and bass locally with the Old Waterloo Jazz Band, the Big Band Sound of Austin, and numerous others.  His son, songwriter and pianist Britt Alexius, joins him, along with Hector Molina on sax.